Blizzard’s ‘Overwatch’ gets two Australian characters

Visitors play ''Starcraft'' at the Blizzard exhibition stand during the Gamescom 2011 fair in Cologne August 18, 2011. The Gamescom convention, Europe's largest video games trade fair, runs from August 17 to August 21. Reuters/Ina Fassbender

Blizzard’s team-based shooter “Overwatch” currently has one of the most diverse roster for a multiplayer game. Two new characters are joining the fray to bring the total roster count to 18.

The two new men who will enter the world of “Overwatch” are two Australian “junkers” known as Roadhog and Junkrat. Though acquainted with each other, the two are different heroes with unique play styles but both of them are very durable. The reveal video seen below showcases the explosive capabilities of the duo from the land down under.

Junkrat is a defensive character, Blizzard announced over its official website. His weapons of choice are concussion mines, a grenade launcher and steel traps that immobilise enemies. When in battle, other players should be aware of how dangerous Junkrat can be. Even in death, he can deal massive damage through his passive ability called Total Mayhem. Upon his death, Junkrat’s passive lets him drop grenades on the spot where he dies. His ultimate ability on the other hand is called RIP-Tire, and it allows Junkrat to launch a motorised tire bomb.

The other addition, Roadhog, is a durable tank-type character. He comes with Scrap Gun, a shotgun-like firearm that deals damage in an area. Players can also opt to launch a long-ranged shrapnel ball that detonates at a distance. To further add up to his durability, Roadhog can heal himself through his Take A Breather skill. When enemies get too far from him, Roadhog can close distances by using his Chain Hook skill which damages and pulls targeted enemies. His ultimate ability Whole Hog, is also a dangerous skill as it boosts Scrap Gun to damage several enemies.

Aside from the character reveal, Blizzard also recently confirmed that the game will have its own dedicated server, Kotaku Australia reports. Blizzard plans on keeping the game’s servers at Battle.net to assure that players get a smooth online experience.

“Overwatch will run completely on Blizzard servers,” Game Director Jeff Kaplan said to Kotaku Australia “With that said, and when we do matchmaking it will be in a Blizzard pool, we are looking at regions and IPs and doing the best to minimise any sort of ping issues.”